Creative Thinking techniques

Buzz Session

Break large groups into smaller groups to focus on specific parts of a problem, then bring back together

Edward de Bonos six thinking hats

Breaks problem into 6 areas of focus, each person can play or swap focus/roles

Computer-aided

Computer programs guide you through questioning and prompting

Sequencing

Each person takes turns coming up with an idea. If they can't think of one, they pass/buzz

Stop and Go

Everyone comes up with ideas for a few minutes, then stop for a few minutes, then repeat

Daydreaming/Mental wandering

Let your mind drift/wander

lateral thinking games

Playing games that encourage you to think outside the obvious

ego alter/heroes

Put yourself in the role of a hero or another person and solve the problem with their leadership

sub culture surfing

Put yourself in the shoes of the person on the other end of the problem - eg advertising

Bulletin Board

Stick ideas on a board

morphological analysis

Use grid with two properties of the problem, one on each row, combine them

concept fans

visually list ideas for a problem, choose one, repeat using chosen one as problem and moving along

word salad

write down/say first words that pop in your head, rapidly without thinking